Being able to quick start on a directional board can be very useful.
Many spots have a relentless shore break, that will not afford you the time
to sit down for a waterstart.
The board will wash away before you’re even ready.
It’s worth learning quickstarts in calm water to prepare yourself for rougher conditions.
It’s also a fun challenge, that will train your kite control and foot placement.
Let’s begin with the simplest quick start, using a basic up and down kite movement.
Place the board on the side that you plan to ride with the nose aiming upwind.
Hold the board in this position with your leading foot, while steering the kite up to
12.
As the kite nears 12, pull in the bar to help lift yourself on the board.
As you pull in the bar, also steer the kite back down to pick up speed before you sink.
As mentioned it’s important to start with the nose upwind - since the nose will move
quite far downwind when you jump on the board.
If you didn’t start with the nose upwind, the board can turn so far downwind that you
won’t be able to edge.
Let’s review that riding the other way.
Place the board with its nose aiming upwind.
Hold the board with your leading foot over the center line, as you steer the kite up
to 12.
When the kite nears 12, pull in the bar to lift your weight and start diving the kite.
Place your back foot over the center line near the tail.
As the kite dives back down you pick up speed.
After some practice you can do all of this far more rapidly.
Place the board while steering up.
Pull in the bar, jump on the board, front foot then back foot, while also diving the
kite back down.
This is the same technique as before, with the steps condensed.
Once you can start this quickly, you will be able to get riding in rougher conditions.
For a faster start, or for light wind, you can send the kite across the window in a single
movement.
Begin with the kite on the opposite side to which you plan to ride.
Steer forwards, across the window.
As the kite crosses 12, pull in for lift and jump on the board.
Be careful, the more firmly you steer the faster you will launch downwind.
If you’re looking for a challenge, you can try jumping and throwing the board onto your
feet.
Hold the toeside rail in the center.
Send the kite across 12.
As the kite crosses 12, pull in the bar.
At the same time kick off upwind with your legs to jump.
Bring the board in front and start lining up your feet.
Before landing shove the toeside rail away.
This will make sure that the wind pushes down on the deck, and prevents the board from flipping.
Aim your feet at the center line and stomp down on the board.
Steer the kite down to ride away.
Good luck learning to quickstart on your directional board.